In the run-up to the 2014 college football season, The Oregonian is previewing each of the opponents the Oregon State Beavers will meet this fall.

First, it's the Portland State Vikings.

Coach: Nigel Burton (fifth year, 18-27 at school)

2013 record: 6-6 (3-5 Big Sky)

For Oregon State To Win ... the Beavers must, simply, shake their troubling recent trend of allowing a lower-division nonconference foe to pull a stunning upset. In last season's opener, Eastern Washington topped OSU 49-46, while in 2011 Sacramento State snagged a 29-28 overtime victory. The Beavers are, obviously, more talented than Portland State on paper across the board. But keep an eye on OSU's new-look offensive line, and the young receiving corps as it takes its first crack at replacing Brandin Cooks.

The Offensive Player You Should Know: Junior wide receiver Kasey Closs, who ranked third in the Big Sky in receiving yards per game (97.2) in 2013 and hauled in eight touchdowns. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Lake Oswego High product — who originally walked on at Portland State — possesses sold hands and a knack for separating from defenders.

The Defender You Should Know: Senior linebacker Corey Crowder, the Vikings' leading returning tackler (59 in 2013). He also tallied 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception, two pass breakups and three quarterback hurries last season.

Last Year Against The Beavers: Did not play.

Notable: The Vikings were picked to finish eighth in the 13-team Big Sky in the conference's preseason poll ... offensive lineman Cornelius Edison and punter Kyle Loomis were on the preseason All-Big Sky team ... The Aug. 30 matchup will be the fourth meeting between OSU and Portland State, with the Beavers winning all of the previous three by at least 27 points.